• This World Cotton Day, BIG W is helping Australian families make more positive and sustainable choices at the checkout

• BIG W recently became the first Australian retailer to be Better Cotton certified, an accreditation that champions sustainable farming practices and ensures fair treatment of workers

• Last financial year, BIG W sourced more than 12.5 million garments using traceable Better Cotton.

07 October 2026:  BIG W is helping Aussie families make more positive choices at the checkout this World Cotton Day (7 October) while supporting sustainable cotton growers and workers.

BIG W recently became the first Australian retailer to be Better Cotton certified. By choosing Better Cotton, we are championing farming practices that protect the soil, save water, and ensure fair treatment for workers. 

Last financial year, BIG W sourced more than 12.5 million garments using traceable Better Cotton.

Woolworths Group General Manager Human Rights and Sustainability Strategy Rachel Elliott encouraged Aussies to check the label to confirm if a garment is Better Cotton certified. 

“Cotton is a complex global supply chain, which is why BIG W is stepping up to lead the way for Australian retail,” Ms Elliott said.

“Products in BIG W labelled BCI Cotton are independently traced through the supply chain verifying that the sustainable fibre grown at the farm is the fibre that makes it into your purchases. By choosing these products, you are supporting farming practices that prioritise soil health, water efficiency, and the fair treatment of workers.

“Customers are encouraged to check the label to see the percentage of BCI Cotton used in their chosen product.”
 

Spinning a yarn? Not on our watch

As part of our commitment to responsible sourcing, BIG W also partners with global forensic scientists Oritain to physically sample test the fibres of our finished clothes, verifying their unique chemical fingerprint to confirm Australian origin claims. 
 

A tight-knit relationship

One example of how BIG W is embedding sustainable practices in its supply chain is our strong partnership with Quantum Knits in India. For five years, this partnership has focused on taking care of the 20,000-strong team behind our BIG W range. 

Quantum provides safe housing and daily meals to their team members. By removing living expenses, they empower female workers to save their income, support their families, and pursue education. 

Since 2006, thousands of women have accessed these programs, transitioning into lifelong careers in nursing and teaching. 
 

About BIG W:

BIG W is one of Australia’s most loved brands and has been part of families’ lives for over 60 years. At BIG W, we put our customers at the heart of everything we do across our network of 178 stores nationally. We sell exclusive BIG W brands that are simply great quality at everyday low prices as well as feature leading international brands. Our customers can choose everything for their kids, home, themselves, for leisure and for their everyday life. Our team of over 19,000 members is located in Australia, Hong Kong and Bangladesh.